Pemba

Getting there & around

Pemba is small, and getting around isn’t difficult with a bit of time and patience. A plodding local bus network connects the three main towns and several smaller ones. To reach destinations off these routes, take one of the buses to the nearest intersection, from where you’ll either have to walk, rely on sporadic pick-ups, or negotiate an additional fee with the bus driver. There are no regular taxis as there are on Zanzibar or the mainland, but there are plenty of pick-up trucks and 4WDs that you can hire – best arranged in Chake Chake. The main roads connecting Mkoani, Chake Chake and Wete are good tarmac; most secondary routes are unpaved.

Cycling is an excellent way to get around Pemba, although you’ll need to bring your own (mountain) bike and spares, unless you’re content with one of the single-speed bicycles available locally. Distances are relatively short and roads are only lightly travelled.